Windsurfing History
Although windsurfing pioneers such as Rhonda Smith and Doug Campbell discovered the attributes of the Gorge in the summer of 1979, the Gorge’s rise to fame came on the heels of the popularity of many destinations such as Maui and hot spots in Europe. On those warm beaches, in the early 1980s, tales of the Gorge’s wild winds were told as legend.
And who can resist legend? Not a professional windsurfer, for sure. And so they came to see for themselves until, by the mid 1980s, the Gorge had gained international renown. The inaugural Columbia Gorge Pro-Am sailboard race in 1984, though intended to be a regional event, was all that was needed to open the international floodgates.
World class sailboarding had arrived in the Columbia River Gorge to stay.
“Just taking the whole thing in, the Gorge, the river, the waves, it just seemed awesome. But what really made all the difference was the wind. It’s just something you have to feel to believe.”
-Brian Carlstrom, early Gorge windsurfer
Why a Legend?
Unique geography is responsible for the consistent nukin’ winds that come up just as they are flagging at many other destinations. The Columbia River Gorge, a massive canyon that cuts through a mountain range, forms a natural wind tunnel in the warmer months. The hot air, rising from the desert of eastern Oregon and Washington, sucks cool air from the Pacific Ocean through the Gorge.
The effect reaches its zenith at Hood River, the narrowest point in the Gorge, where the wind’s power is funneled between high cliffs. Here, wind rips over the water at speeds up to 40 miles per hour and waves reach supernatural heights because the west wind is pushing against the flow of the Columbia River. The result? Perfect conditions for world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding. Experts catapult off white-capped waves into high, whirling jumps. Consequently, Hood River windsurfing is where the most action is.
And it isn’t just for professionals because you can find a wide range of sailing conditions depending on where you sail within the natural venturi.
Another plus is that the Gorge is in the middle of rugged natural beauty. Besides windsurfing, you can enjoy the spectacular scenery by hiking, biking or cruising around the beautiful Mt. Hood National Forrest.
There is also an international flavor with sailors from all over the world to make Hood River windsurfing their passion every summer.
Finally, many pioneer windsurfers such as Brian Carlstrom, Jeff Hughes, Les Crichton and Rhonda Smith have stayed and opened state of the art equipment and instruction shops.
Area Hot Spots
The Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association identifies more than 55 “sailing sites” in the area. Doug’s Sports provides a list of the hottest places.
Experts will find good sailing from Swell City to the Hatchery. Windsurfers of all levels should head to the stretch between Rowena and Doug’s Beach State Park, named after Gorge windsurfing legend Doug Campbell who also owns Doug’s Sports in Hood River. Novices should make their way to Bingen and the Hood River Marina, the most popular spot on the river.
